MS Dhoni bids farewell to international cricket on this day in 2020
Over his career, he participated in 350 ODIs, highlighting his batting mastery through a peak score of 183 runs against Sri Lanka
New Delhi, August 15: Exactly one year ago, the illustrious journey of World-Cup winning captain MS Dhoni in international cricket came to an end. On August 15, 2020, Dhoni, renowned for leading his teams to victory in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in 2007, the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup in 2011, and the ICC Champions Trophy in 2013, announced his retirement from international cricket.
Using the platform of Instagram, the wicketkeeper-batsman shared a video that bore the caption, "Thanks a lot for your love and support throughout. From 1929 hrs consider me as Retired." The poignant video was accompanied by the timeless melody 'Mai Pal Do Pal Ka Shayar Hu' from Amitabh Bachchan's movie 'Kabhie Kabhie.' In this video, Dhoni walked through his extraordinary journey as a member of the Indian cricket team, revisiting memorable moments, including his run-out in the 2019 World Cup semifinal against New Zealand.
A versatile player, Dhoni exhibited prowess both behind the stumps and with the bat. Throughout his career, he played 350 ODIs, showcasing his batting brilliance with his highest score of 183 against Sri Lanka. His captaincy prowess reached legendary status as he became the only leader to secure all major ICC trophies, including the 50-over World Cup, T20 World Cup, and Champions Trophy.
Known for his stoic demeanor on the field, Dhoni earned the moniker 'Captain Cool.' His strategic insight and on-field intelligence proved invaluable to India's progress. His quick reflexes behind the stumps often translated into game-changing breakthroughs. His cricketing acumen even extended to review calls, leading some to humorously suggest renaming the 'Decision Review System' as the 'Dhoni-Review System.'
In December 2014, Dhoni took a step back from Test cricket, allowing younger talents like Wriddhiman Saha to shine. His Test career concluded after 90 matches, during which he accumulated 4,876 runs at an average of 38.09. Notably, his captaincy drove India to the pinnacle of Test cricket rankings.
Despite bidding farewell to international cricket, the 42-year-old continues to exhibit his cricketing prowess. In 2023, he led the Chennai Super Kings to their fifth IPL title, showcasing that he still possesses a wealth of cricketing magic within him.
Also Read: Himachal rains: Portion of heritage Shimla-Kalka railway line left hanging after landslide